In the Same Family Ownership for 81 Years
Roosevelt County
FLYING O MISSOURI RIVER FARM

Culbertson, MT Williston, ND Sydney, MT Fort Peck, MT Billings, MT |
15 miles |
773± |
Acres of Native Range and Pasture Acres of Dry Crop Land Acres of Flood-Irrigated Crop Land Acres includes Owner’s Home and some of the Improvements |
The consistent soil profile and extended growing season in this region of Montana historically generate tremendous crop yields. The irrigated crop land is very productive with historical yields averaging approximately as follows:
Irrigated Malt Barley: Irrigated Durham Wheat: Dry Land Spring Wheat: Irrigated Sugar Beets: |
100 Bushel/Acre 70 Bushel/Acre 40 to 45 Bushel/Acre 30 Tons/Acre |
Lentils and peas are planted in late April to early May and harvested in late July through August depending on the year. Crops are rotated on an annual basis depending on the market and soil conditions. The general historic practice and current farmer utilize a 50/50 small-grain sugar-beet rotation.
The farm, which is primarily productive topsoil, consists mostly of Haverland loam and alluvial soils. This type of soil is characteristic along rivers and floodplains and is typically rich in nutrients and highly fertile. The productive soils combined with extremely consistent water produce formidable yields. Although the soil will not grow potatoes, it would be excellent ground to raise alfalfa or an alfalfa/grass crop as it is well drained, most likely getting at least three to four cuttings. There is minimal heavier clay that should remain dryland crop ground on the farm as the soils vary along the river bottom.
Five Valley pivots (three covering 310-315 acres each, one covering 130 acres, and one covering 85-90 acres), provide a large, irrigated base. Three electric pumps including two 75-horse pumps and one 60-horse pump, deliver water to the pivots. The pumps are situated in the river, not in a side channel, therefore any silting or bank erosion in the river will not affect the ability of the pumps to provide water. Only Valley parts have been used for replacement parts. The pivots, which can be controlled remotely with an app on a mobile device, are visible from the home that overlooks the irrigated portion of the farm.
The decreed water rights predate the Fish, Wildlife & Parks 4,000 CFS of instream flow which is required to stay in the river. The Fort Peck Dam and reservoir must release water to be provided downstream from the farm for multiple uses. This indicates that the CFS flow released out of the reservoir will consistently provide the necessary irrigation water even in a dry year. In 2021, during the historic drought, the water was available, and the yields were all very respectable on this farm.
There is an abundance of reserve water that can be obtained through the Conservation District with water rights that will allow expansion of the irrigated base. 70,000 acres of reserve water are available through the Conservation District and only 12,000 acres are currently being utilized. Seldom is this amount of water readily available for additional use. There is an additional 200± acres of dry crop ground that could be developed into irrigated ground with the use of adding corner arms on the existing pivots and the addition of several new pivots. The development of additional irrigated ground could be a relatively easy and streamlined process, which is rare. One would need to apply for the additional water rights through the Conservation District and apply for a new “point of diversion” for additional pivots through the Corp. of Engineers.
Shipping markets, services, and supplies are conveniently located near the farm. All necessary crop inputs are located within 5 to 15 miles of the farm. There is a sugar beet piling station in Culbertson and a sugar beet plant in Sidney. United Grain also has a shuttle loader in Culbertson and handles spring and winter wheat. Fertilizer is available from Horizon Resources in Culbertson or five miles away at the fertilizer plant in Brockton. There is a bulk fuel and feed dealer located in Culbertson. The Durum wheat historically has been shipped to Columbia Grain in Plentywood, MT or Farmer’s Elevator in Wolf Point. Rahr Malting Co. in Ray, ND commonly purchases the malt barley and is 80 miles from the farm. Anchor Ingredients in Culbertson will typically buy the feed barley, lentils, and peas for pet food. For transportation of crops, a BNSF main-line railway, which spans from Chicago to Seattle, runs along the eastern side of the farm, dissecting the farm ground and the native pasture in the Breaks.
A reciprocal lease is in place between the Flying O for their only noncontiguous 40-acre piece with a neighbor who has two 20-acre leases on the Fort Peck Reservation that are contiguous to the Flying O Missouri River Farm, thus allowing both party’s pivots to function properly. The farm’s noncontiguous deeded 40-acre piece allows the other party the ability for their pivot to do a full ¾ rotation, and the two 20-acre leases in the reciprocal exchange allow one of the Flying O pivots to do a full 360-degree rotation. There is also a competitive lease with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)/Fort Peck Tribe on another 20 acres allowing another one of the farm’s pivots on the river (Pivot No. 5) to do a full 180-degree rotation. This competitive BIA lease on 20 acres just renewed for another five-year term ending December 31st, 2025. The reciprocal lease has been in place for 24 years and is due for renewal on or before December 31, 2023. The reciprocal lease will be renewed for another term as a condition of sale. Although there is a competitive BIA lease in place on 20 acres and a current reciprocal lease with the neighbor, exchanging the use of two twenties for a forty, it is important to note that these leases and exchanges would only benefit the respective owners of these pivots. They would be of little other value to another lessee.
Since the seller’s retirement in 2021, a tenant farmer has been in place that has leased the farm for the past year. The tenant’s second annual lease runs until March 1st, 2023, and the tenant would like to continue leasing the farm. The lease payment is based on a crop share but will provide a competitive return on an investment to a new buyer. If the lessee does have to vacate, he will work with a new owner/operator regarding any fall farming operational necessities after he has harvested his crops. If the lease is discontinued, the tenant can vacate the farm after the harvests but would like to utilize the storage facilities on the farm to capitalize on market conditions until March 1st, 2023, which will be the end of his current term. For the buyer looking solely for the ROI and the investment, there is a solid, honest operator in place hoping to continue leasing and looking after the farm.
The seller, who grew up on the farm, retired last year after running it for 45 years. With his motto of “Quality over Quantity”, he created a successful farming operation on the Flying O Missouri River Farm. The excellent water rights and consistent availability of water almost guarantee solid yields on crops year after year. For either a buyer who wants additional production for their existing farm or ranch, or for one who wants to run this farm independently, it is a viable option for a solid investment. In addition, it would make a great feed base or feedlot, or perhaps a superb dairy farm. With pride of ownership evident throughout, seldom do you see a production farm with these type yields and diversification in today’s market.
Owner’s Home
Operations Improvements
Manufactured House
Heated Shop
Equipment Storage Shed
Galvanized Steel Storage Shed
Grain Bins/80,000 Bushel Storage
Steel Building
Pivots
Fuel Tanks
DECREED IRRIGATION WATER RIGHT
Please View the Offering Brochure for additional information regarding water rights.
STOCK WATER RIGHTS
Electricity to the homes on the farm is provided by Sheridan Electric in Medicine Lake, MT. The electricity for the irrigation pumps is provided by Lower Yellowstone out of Sidney. Nemont Telephone Cooperative out of Scobey, MT provides both high-speed internet and phone service. Verizon Wireless is the local cell phone provider and is available at most locations on the farm.
The real estate taxes for 2021 were $13,267.57.
The Sellers will be retaining the mineral, oil, gas, geothermal and hydro-carbon rights they own, subject to reservations by previous owners.


Game is still very abundant. We can scarcely cast our eyes in any direction without perceiving deer, elk, buffalo, or antelopes.
Captain Meriwether Lewis, April 27, 1805 – Corps of Discovery

OFFERING PRICE and CONDITIONS OF SALE
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- All offers to purchase, or letters of intent must be in writing and accompanied by earnest money made payable to the escrow account of American First Title Company in Glasgow, MT.
- Earnest money deposits will be placed in escrow with American First Title Company of Glasgow, MT which will then place the funds with local banks at nominal rates of interest accruing to the benefit of the Buyer until Closing, should the appropriate paperwork be completed.
- All Prospective Buyers must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Listing Agent the financial capability to purchase the Farm prior to scheduling a personal tour of the property.
- The Sellers will provide and pay for a standard owner’s title insurance policy. Title to the real property will be conveyed by a limited warranty deed.
- All the appurtenant water rights controlled by the Farm will be transferred to the Buyer at Closing.
- The Sellers will be retaining the mineral, oil, gas, geothermal and hydro-carbon rights they own, subject to reservations by previous owners.
- Buyers’ Brokers are welcome and invited to contact David A Lowry with Swan Land Company for additional information and to set up a private tour of the farm.
- Any additional documentation provided to Prospective Buyers and their Agents related to and expanding upon the information contained in this offering brochure will be subject to terms of a Confidentiality Agreement to be signed by the Prospective Buyer and their Agents prior to the delivery of such documentation.
TERMS OF INSPECTION































































































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David A. Lowry

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